Jennifer Enderson Appointed Chair of DDA Statewide Planning and Policy Council

Gov. Bill Lee has appointed Jennifer Enderson, President of Emory Valley Center, to chair of the Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) Statewide Planning and Policy Council (SPPC).

The Statewide Planning and Policy Council is made up of healthcare professionals, advocates and family members who are committed to improving the quality of life for older Tennesseans and those in Tennessee living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The SPPC is responsible for advising the commissioner on the plans, policies and operations of the department’s programs and facilities.

"I am thrilled to welcome Jennifer, as her dedication and extensive experience will be key in enhancing the quality of life for older Tennesseans and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities," said DDA Commissioner Brad Turner. "Her leadership reflects our commitment to creating a more inclusive, supportive environment for the people we serve and their families.”

Enderson has been with Emory Valley Center since 2001 and has been a member of SPPC since 2017. She brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her role. As the current president, she upholds a person-centered program aligned with the organization’s mission. In her role, she ensures compliance with all funding sources as well as local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the organization's operations. Enderson fosters effective teamwork and positive staff morale while prioritizing excellent customer service. She aims to achieve similar success in her role as chair of SPPC.

“Being selected to the Statewide Planning and Policy Council for the Department of Disability and Aging in Tennessee is an honor that signifies a commitment to advocating for individuals with disabilities and older adults,” said Enderson. “It provides a platform to influence policies that enhance accessibility and inclusion, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and drive meaningful change in the community, ultimately fostering a more equitable society.”

Enderson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Tennessee. Prior to her tenure at Emory Valley Center, she worked as a Direct Support Professional, Vocational Rehabilitation Case Manager, Independent Support Coordinator, and held various management roles in the retail sector.

Enderson has been a longtime IDD professional and advocate. In addition to her leadership at Emory Valley Center, Jennifer has served on the Tennessee Community Organizations (TNCO) Board of Directors since 2012, including a term as President in 2016-17. TNCO is a statewide trade association for service provider organizations that support people with IDD. Enderson is also a member of the Rotary Club of Oak Ridge where she served as President in 2019-20, and a member of Altrusa International.

When she’s not actively participating in a variety of community and service organizations, Enderson enjoys spending her free time with her family. She is married to Paul Enderson and has two children, Dayton (22) and Hannah (18). The family resides in Knoxville.

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About the Department of Disability and Aging

The Department of Disability and Aging is the state agency responsible for oversight of services and supports to 1.5 million older adults and Tennesseans with disabilities. The department is the result of a merger between the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disabilities, effective July 1, 2024. Every day, the department strives to support people to live rewarding and fulfilling lives through Medicaid waiver Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), and a wide range of services and supports for older adults and adults with disabilities. DDA also provides services to infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays through the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS), and children under the age of 18 with disabilities or complex medical needs through the Katie Beckett Program. The department supports people to live the lives they envision for themselves by ensuring people are free to exercise rights, engage with their broader communities and experience optimal health. DDA is the first state service delivery system in the nation to receive Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership. It has also been recognized as a national leader in its efforts to increase competitive, community-based employment outcomes for people with disabilities and its commitment to enhancing independence through Enabling Technology.